17-year-old Bohdi Jackson went missing during a 5-mile training run in Kosciuszko National Park after taking a wrong turn and, distracted by loud music, failed to notice he was off course. He ran nearly 31 miles (about 50 km) through mountain terrain, stopping regularly to rest, before a mountain biker lent him a phone so he could call for help. A multi-agency search located him about 30 km (18.6 miles) from his last known point and he was airlifted back to his group; authorities reiterated safety advice for park visitors.
Teen Triathlete Rescued After Wrong Turn — Ran Nearly 31 Miles Through Kosciuszko Mountains
Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group via GettyMount Kosciuszko National Park
A 17-year-old triathlete, Bohdi Jackson of Sydney, was found safe after becoming lost during a training run in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. What began as a scheduled 5-mile run on Jan. 13 turned into an almost 31-mile (about 50 km) trek through mountainous terrain after Jackson took a wrong turn and didn’t realise he was off course for hours.
What Happened
Jackson moved ahead of his group on the Cascade Trail and, wearing earphones and listening to loud rap music, said it took "a couple hours" to realise he was lost. At roughly 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) into the run he realised he had missed the turn. Rather than retrace his steps — which would have added many more kilometres — he pressed on hoping to reach a road where he could phone for help.
Chris Putnam / Alamy Stock PhotoA landscape view on the Cascade Hut Trail near Dead Horse Gap and Thredo in Kosciuszko National Park
"I went a bit too far and forgot to turn around and kept on running," Jackson told reporters. "I just wanted to go home and have a choccy milk."
Search and Rescue
When Jackson failed to return to the trailhead, members of his running group reported him missing and a multi-agency search was launched. The operation involved the NSW Police, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Rural Fire Service and assistance from the State Emergency Service (SES). Authorities used geo-text message checks and other inquiries as part of the search, which lasted about seven hours.
Police said Jackson was located on a walking trail approximately 30 km (about 18.6 miles) from where he was last seen. During his run he stopped regularly — roughly every 2 km — to rest and even waded into river water to cool off, later joking that it might give him diarrhoea. He encountered a mountain biker who lent him a phone so he could call for help. Rescuers airlifted him back to his group by helicopter and ambulance staff assessed him on arrival.
Ashley Cooper/GettyStock image of Mount Kosciousko
Aftermath and Advice
Jackson described the helicopter pickup as "very cool" and said his legs were tired but he felt alright. He joked about wanting a steak and a "choccy milk" and even teased that he might do a long run the next day.
Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim emphasised the risks of alpine bushwalking and running, urging visitors to plan carefully. Key safety recommendations included submitting a trip intention form to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, carrying suitable clothing, sufficient water and food, checking the weather, telling someone reliable your plans and expected return time, and carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) because mobile reception in the park can be unreliable.
Safety Tips
- Submit a trip intention form before entering the park.
- Carry sufficient water, food and appropriate clothing for alpine conditions.
- Consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or other emergency locator device.
- Avoid running with loud music that can block environmental cues and group communication.
Help us improve.
